The Zymo Environ Water RNA Kit simplifies COVID-19 wastewater surveillance by increasing viral enrichment, inactivating pathogens, and improving limits of detection. The use of Water Concentrating Buffer (WCB) promotes the pelleting of viral capsids and protein-associated RNA, increasing SARS-CoV-2 RNA yields by more than 8-fold. DNA/RNA Shield allows for safe handling as it has been validated for inactivation of pathogens including SARS-CoV-2. Finally, the workflow yields highly concentrated, PCR inhibitor-free RNA ready for downstream applications including RT-qPCR, RT-ddPCR, and NGS.